The first classic Hayden Fry Era came to an end with a phone call in 1988. Kansas State's AD called Bo Schembechler for a recommendation on Iowa offensive coordinator Bill Snyder. Bo's recommendation was "Hire Him! Get him the f*** out of this conference!" Kirk left after 1989. Alvarez was hired weeks later and took three key Iowa assistants with him.
Hayden's second classic era featured breathtaking skill position talent, much of it in-state. Tim Dwight, Tavian Banks, Sedrick Shaw, Matt Sherman, Tony Collins. Led to a nice run and two convincing bowl wins in the mid 1990's.